Russia to Get First Helicopter Carrier by 2027

Russia will begin building its helicopter carriers in May 2020, and will deliver the first vessel to the naval forces by the end of 2027, sources in Russia's shipbuilding industry said Wednesday.

"Two amphibious assault ships with water displacement of up to 15,000 tonnes will be laid down at the Zaliv shipyard in Kerch (Crimea) in 2020. The first helicopter carrier will be delivered to the navy before the current state armament program expires at the end of 2027," one of the sources was quoted as saying by TASS.

Describing the features of the vessels, the second source said they will house over 10 helicopters each. "The ships will be equipped with a dock-type chamber for landing craft utilities (LTU)," he added.

According to the sources, development of technical specifications of the new ships has entered the final stage. "Once they are ready, in coming months, an agreement will be signed to build the helicopter carriers," the second source added.